IDFI exec defends beauty search result
Complaints regarding the result of a beauty search are normal occurrences.
This was how Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) Executive Director Ben Jimena viewed the report on the alleged switching of results of the just concluded search for Miss Dinagyang 2007.
Jimena's reaction was in response to the issues raised by the handlers and the mother of contestant Gladys June Pacete, 17 years old and pharmacy student of the University of San Agustin, in local radio stations.
Pacete got three minor awards such as Darling of the Press, Miss Photogenic and Miss Telegenic. She got the Darling of the Press award since not all of the contestants were present during the selection process.
Jimena said the allegations made by Pacete's mother Edith that a brownout happened before the results of the top five contestants were announced on stage is unfounded. He said the power supply during the pageant was not interrupted.
He also made clear that there is nothing wrong if Rowena Diaz, director of the Miss Dinagyang announced the winners on stage. The results are tabulated and are computerized, it could not be altered, said Jimena.
Adjudged as Miss Dinagyang 2007 was Cara Jeanne F. Sullano, 16 years old of the Central Philippine University, 1st runner-up Heather Ann P. Nagaynay of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, 2nd runner-up Arianne Famor of the Jalandoni Memorial National High School, 3rd runner-up Wena Amor Pauillo of Jaro National High School and 4th runner-up Jhoan Marie Gonzalez of Interface Computer College.
In spite of the negative reports on the beauty pageant, Jimena said they are willing to act on the complaint of Pacete provided they file a formal complaint with the foundation.